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About the Author

Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, C.S.W. is a noted psychotherapist, in private practice in Brooklyn, N.Y. for over 25 years. He is a Senior Lecturer and the Creative Director of Aish Hatorah's Discovery Productions. He is also an editor and author for the Artscroll Publishing Series and a member of the Kollel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath.

In these marvelous stories -- brimming with wit, understanding, a touch of irony and a large helping of authentic Torah perspective -- we will walk with a renowned and experienced psychotherapist and popular author through the pathways of contemporary life: its crowded sidewalks, its pedestrian malls, and the occasional dead end street. This is a walk through our lives that will be fun, entertaining -- and eye-opening. In our full -- sometimes overfull -- and complex lives, Yaakov Salomon is a welcome and much-needed voice of sanity and reason.

His speaking, writing and musical talents have delighted audiences from Harvard to Broadway and everything in between. Rabbi Salomon shares his life with his wife, Temmy, and their unpredictable family.

Visitor Comments: 91

(65)
Anonymous,
January 6, 2015 5:14 PM

Agree 100%

Rabbi, you speak the truth.
I like to believe that we are a people who promote peace. I am proud of that.
Sometimes, the truth may be presented in a way that leads to productive solutions and other times it only stirs the pot. This ad sounds like it will only stir more trouble.

(64)
Danielle,
March 6, 2013 2:27 AM

WAKE UP AMERICA!!! More importantly, WAKE UP my fellow Jews....I cannot believe how many of you have your heads in the sand...it's INSANITY. The truth in right in front of you, and none of you want to look at it. Go to THEBLAZE.com and you can read the emes about what is going on. So much for "never again"....it'a about to get really ugly. Thanks for handing this great country over to a dictator of the highest order.....

(63)
Paul Cohen,
February 4, 2013 6:26 PM

I looked at the ad and don't see anything controversial. The 9/11 attack and Islamic ideology are joined at the hip, inseparable. Who can deny it? The problem seems to be that many choose to deny it, preferring to living with eyes closed as to what's clearly happening all around the world.
The ad isn't telling people to hate Muslims. I don't see it offering any direction whatsoever about what one should do about Islam, but neither I am hearing any answers from Mr. Salomon. I would like to hear what he has to say about how Americans and Jews should deal with the declared war of Islam on all infidels, starting with the "Saturday" people.

(62)
c.t.b.,
February 3, 2013 1:55 PM

just a thought

the best gift for bar mitzwah are defenetly Memories to share in a way to keep on sharing it-of the family and also traditions to grow up on it-plus not only clothes and stuff but the true meaning and gifts related to that.....Also money to save on an account for further studies and so on, that can only be touched after a specific age and time. Anyway the small gifts and so on will follow anyhow-am not wasting time for this in here. A real good place will be Israel! Always great to go back to the roots...starting fresh from there....godbless

(61)
Esther's Plea,
February 1, 2013 5:00 PM

The Yetzer-Ra that rides the ‘Sub-Ways”

Truth is all the forces of evil prevail when we fail teshuvah to HaShem?– Don’t be deceived, lest our brothers are forced to correct our ways until we humble ourselves first in thoughts and deeds .Does the writing on the wall in the’ Sub-Ways’ speak for us? Mishlei 14:12 There is a road which seems (right) unto an man, but the acharit (latter end, future) thereof are the drakhim of mavet. Are we wrestling against basar vadahm (flesh and blood), NO, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of the choshech of the Olam Hazeh, against the kokhot ruchaniyim ra’im (evil spiritual forces) in Shomayim. We are to Stand, therefore, having girded your waist with HaEmes and having put on the breastplate of Tzedek, [YESHAYAH 11:5; TEHILLIM 132:9; YESHAYAH 59:17] (Tehillim 36:12) “let the foot of pride not come upon me and the hand of the wicked not move upon me.”
We need to look no further than the enemy within us that does not yield to the Yetzer-Tov”
Whose mouth does she (Geller) speak for? Don’t be bitten by the same snake twice!

(60)
EdtorJP,
February 1, 2013 7:33 AM

2 jews in front of the Nazi firing squad:

"Any last words, Jews?!"
"Yes!" shouted the first Jew, "Screw Hitler!"
"Shhh" said the second, "you'll make them angry".
Sadly Jews (and other non-muslims) have been placating muslims for over 1300 years and look where it has gotten us.
Muslims killed EIGHTY MILLION HINDUS.
Muslims VOLUNTEERED for the Waffen SS.
We must ridicule them, we must push them out of the non-muslim world, and we should certainly stop trying to appease them.

(59)
Andy,
January 31, 2013 10:43 PM

What 's her point? Beware of Islamic jihadists? Maybe many people who ride the the train don't know that

Some Muslims are jihadists and some are supporters but many are not. Using such a broad brush seems to me will do more harm then good as thinking people know the USA has been trying to defeat radical islamists for many years and that the struggle continues.What more should the USA do?

(58)
Sue,
January 31, 2013 7:18 PM

Brooklyn College

And how are we to react to BDS Protest at Brooklyn College on Feb. 7th ?Scary what is going on.

(57)
Anonymous,
January 31, 2013 4:02 PM

Would that therWould that there were more people screaming on the rooftops when Hitler was in power

Pamela is definitely louder than I would be, but she risks her life daily pouring her soul into trying to wake people up to the level of danger, all glossed over by the mainstream media, that Israel and we in the western democracies are in. This campaign is in response to a sickly sweet campaign by CAIR and others, painting Islam as wholesome, and jihad as nothing more than self-discipline, such as staying physically fit. The lies are awful and someone has to counter them--Pamela is screaming on the rooftops--I appreciate her more all the time. Btw, she also works to help frightened Muslim girls escape honor violence, and her posters are anti-Jihad, maybe even anti-Islam, but she cares deeply for the human souls caught in the lies of the "religion."

ladydi,
February 1, 2013 2:03 PM

AMEN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ofra,
February 3, 2013 4:34 AM

I wish there more women with courage as Pamela.

I love Pamela and I asppreciate all her work I support her 100% we do not have to be silent or live in fear, just say it as it is.G-d bless you Pamela we love you! keep up with the good work.

(56)
john michael,
January 31, 2013 4:57 AM

I am NON JEWISH and support pamela gellar's campaign.
Force must be met with force through intellectual,theological as well as spiritual there is no other way with muslims for so called "moderates" live in fear that is why they do not speak up.

(55)
Bill Lipton,
January 31, 2013 4:29 AM

mixed target

Muslims and Islam are not the problem-- The Koran is not the problem ... the Problem is a gang of murderers who use ... or take advantage of ... the ignorance of a people so they can serve as cannon fodder for irrational actions. Worse, the suicides are forbidden by the Koran -- the fact the criminals have re-branded suicide as self-sacrifice is only one example of the criminal element being able to manipulate the ignorant.
The ads "Anti-Muslim" are only the western version of that same criminal element attempting to create anger among our ignorant elements. Perversely, the result will be minor for Israel and disaster for the rest of the world. When you create such ads, you allow the criminals something tangible to point at: They can say to their ignorant element, "the WEST hates YOU! So you are justified in attacking the West"
These groups, these criminals, have already declared that Israel should not exist -- this has been so since the Balfour Declaration ... it has been true since Rome burnt the Temple. But Israel exists and will continue to exist -- long after other nations have passed into dust. The Muslims are fed-up with Syria denying their existence, they are fed-up with being kept ignorant ... and their women are fed-up with being worse off than slaves (Chattel which can be destroyed, killed, for the sake of false 'honor'). Our Criminal element can claim free speech for their ads, but morally, they have no right to those ads -- no more than they have the right to falsely yell FIRE in a crowded theater.

msgoldberg,
January 31, 2013 12:17 PM

You are incorrect. The Koran is the problem. 64% of the Koran deals with the kaffir, the unbeliever and what to do with them. In other words, instead of teaching what to do to live as a muslim, most is involved to what to do with, and to the 'kaffir', which is .... you. It is NOT some band of murderers who've coopted the teachings. When Islam is weak, it has no power to do what it is now doing. We have given it carte blanche to do as Islam wishes, empowering all those nations and now... now, we get to see Islam as it sees itslef, and as it sees us.
You remember, don't you, why 9/11 was chosen for the attack in 2001. It was the anniversary of the last major defeat of the 'Ummah' the Ottoman muslim army in Vienna austria in 1685. You understand, the muslims conquered europe up to vienna austria but were defeated finally in 1685, on- 9/11.
We forgot..... they never did.

(54)
Tanya Gorlin,
January 31, 2013 4:05 AM

Anti-Muslim Ad is OK

It's OK to feel uncomfortable when a person faces the truth. It ignites thinking. We live in the world when people have lost an ability to differenciate between good and evil. Pamela Geller reminds us about it. Good for her!

(53)
Richard,
January 31, 2013 2:34 AM

What else?

Today I am a fountain pen!

(52)
Simcha,
January 31, 2013 2:28 AM

Those Who Forget History....

Sounds like the message in Germany during the '20s and '30s. That did not work out so well.
As for me, I take the words of Deuteronomy 25: 17-19 to heart. I remember what the jihadists did as they surprised my people, the civilized people of America. Let us blot out their memory!

(51)
Anonymous,
January 31, 2013 1:35 AM

She has the courage to be honest.

What Pam Geller is doing is a bold attempt to open people's eyes to see what needs to be seen and understood.
She is fighting an up-hill battle against an anti-semitic and highly biased media that is turning their heads away from the truth and what is right. You may not agree with her methods, but she is getting people to look and question, which is greatly needed.
And, if you think honestly about her messages, she is correct in what she is saying. The problem is when Jews remain silent and "polite" it only emboldens those who want to bring harm to us. You cannot reason with those who's religion actually preaches that your people must die. That is just a fact.
This is the reality that Israel and every Jew must be aware of. Many are not. Many are in denial. Pam Geller is waking people up and opening closed eyes.
She has the courage to be honest.

(50)
Sybil,
January 30, 2013 7:47 PM

subway ads

Any ad displaying hate of any kind should be banned.
Every hate crime is not committed by Muslims.
Isn't it better to make friends of people ?
We could be the next object of hate mongers.

(49)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 5:57 PM

anti-israel marketing

Please contact Seattle Metro Transit. They are posting ads stating Israel is an apartheid state and Palestinians are being mistreated on the sides of their buses. The Northwest in general is becoming more anti-semitic.

Dvirah,
February 2, 2013 7:43 PM

My Point

This comment embodies the point I would like to make - that the next round of adverts can be anti-semetic. While I like the idea of supportive advertizing, the wording should not be such that we degenerate into a name-calling contest with our enemies.

(48)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 4:49 PM

Stopping the Ongoing Global Jihad

W., 01/30/13 common era
I read that about 80% of U.S. mosques receive funding from the Saudis. The U.S. is being played for a sucker, and the President has set the tone. The Moslem psychiatrist who massacred and wounded U.S. Army members in Fort Hood should have been 86'd from the military long before then. Many Moslem people don't engage in violent jihads, but this is in spite of their theology and not because of it. Bury the jihadis in pigskins and don't care what the ACLU says.

(47)
Rose,
January 30, 2013 4:27 PM

A Plan in Progress

I have to agree with Rabbi Salomon on this one. I agree with Geller’s message but don't think it has been effective so far. For one thing, I don’t hear any support of the ads in the subway. And another thing, there is backlash following with ads that claim, “Between love and hate, choose love” as if to shake a finger about how wrong it is to hate anyone. I’m tempted to respond with, “Between life and death, I chose life” in the refusal to turn the other cheek regarding 9/11, the Intifada, and the last 2,000 years of persecution.
There’s also feedback I’ve been reading from young people who use facebook and tumbler. They see the ads and immediately are turned off, presuming they are racist and offensive to all Muslims. You can take the time to explain to them that the ads are anti-Jihad and anybody who wants to live in a free tolerant society would stand with us. But once a person gets a first impression it’s hard to convince them otherwise. Word on the internet travels lightning-fast and it is difficult to retract a comment that has been misinterpreted and sent to millions of people around the world.
I don’t consider myself a pacifist nor believe we should reach out with “love” to a world that is in danger of being engulfed by anti-Semitic fanaticism. I believe in Israel, the IDF, and striking back at those who would dare to attempt to destroy the Jewish people. We have to be strong in the face of negative media regarding Israel and the Jewish people. If somebody takes a stance by writing a reaction to a scalding column in the New York Times, I applaud that person for taking a pro-Israel and anti-Jihad stance. We need a strong positive campaign that won’t allow others to point fingers at us in accusation.

(46)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 3:19 PM

Melanie phillips axplains why you are wrong and why Pamela Geller is right

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pILN9MY_hQ0

(45)
Yitro,
January 30, 2013 11:34 AM

we need to stand firm

In the face of ongoing horrors committed daily around the world by adherents to Islam, I can only agree with the awakening call of Pamela Geller. All Islam is wrong, idolatrous and toxic.

(44)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 10:24 AM

anti-terrorrism vs. anti-any group

I firmly believe that "if one is not part of the solution, then one is part of the problem," and therefore any Muslim, or anyone else, who is not speaking out against terrorrism is condoning- and participating in- terrorrism. However, there is a vast difference between decrying terrorrism and denouncing a group of people... any people. Why can we not put up ads calling for an end to ALL terrorrism and calling for ALL people to renounce terrorrism, without becoming the biggots at whose hands we and others have so horribly suffered?

(43)
Norma Fares,
January 30, 2013 9:54 AM

Wisdom

Yet, Muslims [and NOT Islamists/Jihadists] who do not endorse terrorism (in the name of Islam) whatsoever --and there are so many-- are called to make their voice heard LOUDLY. I think, the silence or the passivity versus Islamism / Jihad does not help but It contrary helps making all Muslims look alike and which is untrue, unrealistic and unjust. Solutions cannot be solved, imho, with any kind of terrorism under any given name. Killing and or inciting to hate/kill innocent souls is terrorism.

(42)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 9:44 AM

I agree with idea that islam originally is not religion but political belief, while religion, law and customs of islam are designed to serve tool and to be instrumental to achieve the main goal, that is hegemony. People who have initiated wrighting qur'an and sharia laws were already hegemons of big empire and they soke to retain hegemony over their newly established ruling position by spreading their newly established faith.

(41)
Norma Fares,
January 30, 2013 8:44 AM

Wisdom

Although committed in the name of Islam, terrorist attacks that took place in the few past years in different parts of the world, do not and cannot make all Muslims, terrorists. The terrorism of the extreme right Christians, KKK, does not and cannot make all Christians, terrorists either. Yes, we must stand against terrorism / Islamist Jihad for a more peaceful planet. But between Muslims and Islamists/Jihadists is a difference and that difference must be shown and expressed too. Thank you, Rabbi Salomon for not agreeing on such anti-Muslim marketing / ads and that, as Geri Taran wrote, makes no difference with anti-Semitism.

msgoldberg,
January 30, 2013 1:02 PM

There have been 20,200 terrorists attacks by 'muslims' in the last 11 yrs around the globe. The amount by all other peoples of other faiths is minuscule, and the fact remains that the 20,200 were in the name of Islam. No, they don't make all muslims terrorists, but all Jihadists are muslim, or their enablers.
Regarding such as Mumbai- the horrific slaughter of 169 and the terrible woundling of some 300, where were the hundreds of thousands of muslims marching anywhere in the world to denounce the horrific slaughters and to call for the denial of any theologic agreement with the slaughterers?
Answer: there wasn't any and never will be, because, muslims know that the they are next if they open their mouths. And think of all the calls for the deaths to jews, and infidels around the globe in demonstrations by those 'small minority of extremists'. It is endless and is based on Mohammed's teachings, life and example.

Joanne,
January 31, 2013 1:37 AM

Another form of anti-semitism

Since Arabs are Semites, this could also be called anti-semitism. The brush is too broad. I agree with you. What purpose is there to spreading hatred?

(40)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 6:05 AM

Islam is a political cancerous movement, not a true religion

Even though there is freedom of religion here in the U.S., allowing people into this wonderful country, who want to distroy our way of life and make us subserviant to their sick, distorted and dangerous laws, this cancer Islam should never be allowed to exist here in America. If we allow Muslems to immigrate into this country, we will always regret that allowance. We need to stop being politically correct and care about America not about the feelings of people who hate us.

(39)
Laurence,
January 30, 2013 6:04 AM

A matter of life and death

Unfortunately there is know such thing as a moderate muslim, they are all muslims, some know more of the Koran some know less, some interpret it this way some that way. But the simple understanding of Islam ruling the world with sharia law is the end of us all that don't want to be muslim, they chop off heads or hands, it is barbaric. Athiest, Jew, buddhist, hindu, christian, satan worshippers and witches etc. all non-muslims have one common adversary. If we want to keep our freedoms and rights our only hope is for this religion of Mohammed and every Koran to be wiped off the face of the earth or I am afraid this religion and Koran says it will wipe us off the earth. I for one am overjoyed to see some kind of info/advertizing waking up the public to the stealth war Islam has well under way- just look at France and other parts of Europe where there are "no go zones" where sharia law is being enforced by vigilanties, coming to a neighborhood near you unless we have more advertizing to wake up the population. Sometimes drastic situations require drastic measures, maybe you don't realize we are at war- maybe we need to recognise this and defend ourselfs before it is to late!!! Or we can just sit back and wait for Messiah to come and fix it all and save us from Islam.

(38)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 5:19 AM

Muslims should reap what they sow

The UN exists to condemn Israel and excuse Muslim extremists.
The Arab League is just about the same. Iran threatens all with nuclear weapons. It is time to take off our blinders to the terrorists who hate the modern world. The 1300's are long gone.
I am not , nor do I know any Crusaders. I am a modern contributor to a better world for all. The United States stands for freedom and equality for all religions. Which Muslim country can say that?

(37)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 4:49 AM

Ugly like cancer the ads

I remember when people thought putting warnings on tobacco products was too bold. They wanted to soften up the message. I have not seen the ad and perhaps you did not explain your position completely. Somethings are hazardous to health.

(36)
Ken J,
January 30, 2013 2:49 AM

Stop burrying your head in the sand!

The reason that there are so many extremists is that we are complacent. Speak out! Point out the perpetrators! There is no "nice" regarding terrorists. Peaceful Muslims do not even speak out! Stir up the pot, get people talking, then thinking, then doing.

(35)
cee,
January 30, 2013 2:47 AM

Sorry Rabbi I disagree

If the conventional newspapers and civil discourse would work, then her ads would not be needed. Fact is, after 911 most people including AMericans blamed Israel and the Jews. I was a victim when I wrote a letter to an established Florida newspaper after 9/11 defending Israel. I received threatening phone calls and a letter written in German by a Neo-Nazi. I filed a police report and changed my number. Are we used to utilizing ads in the subway-no - but the subway might be the most effective place to reach both intellectuals and non-intellectuals. Pamela Geller reminds Americans who the enemy is and it is not Israelis, Settlers and Jews.

(34)
CHUCK,
January 30, 2013 2:34 AM

Rabbi you are very naive, we cannot interfere with the truth.

all over the middle east muslim world there are "ads" telling people to destroy the "Zionist entity". It is in the constitution of some of these countries that Israel should be totally destroyed. how does an Israeli/Jew protect themselves and their families from all this lying hatred. is it moral to want to protect my family at all costs or should I let them suffer because I did not speak up...

(33)
msgoldberg,
January 30, 2013 2:04 AM

It is a most certainly appropriate response to the unmentioned
muslim disimmulating ad that went like this:
my Jihad is to exercise despite my busy schedule, what's yours?
These muslim ads are deliberate portrayals of Jihad as personal development, despite the fact that 98% of ALL Jihad in Islam, it's texts and teachings regards how to submit, and or kill and eliminate the kaffirs. With such deliberate subterfuge undermining the liberties of this land, and all other lands, with mass homicidies and calls for 'Jihad', it is absurd to sit and pretend that we Jews have to act 'sweet' and gentle in the face of such deliberate deception. Her ad is truthful, direct, and callls Jihad what it is.
To deny this is to be a victim and an assistant in our own deaths.

(32)
Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 1:23 AM

Anti-Muslim ads

This is no different from having anti-Christian ads or anti-Jewish ads. Yes there is a fire but you don't fight it by pouring petrol on it. Ms Gellor's fight for the rights of women is a noble one but that is where she should continue, constitutionally she has the right to say what she wants, but rights have a second leg; if you will, and that leg is responsibility, they go hand in hand, one leg can not stand without the other. What the Rabbi did not say is that she is breaking Torahic law by bringing Judaism into disrepute. One has to remember that the people that brought about 9/11 are a very small fraction of the Muslim population, let us not do what has been done to us.

(31)
mgoldberg,
January 30, 2013 1:03 AM

You are dead wrong. Here message is clear, concise and too the point. The ads follow the yrs of utter dissimulation that mark the theologic and political goals of Islam: to end any and all actual critiquing and evaluation of Islam, Jihad in any way: since to Islam, dhimmi's and kaffirs or unbelievers of Islam have NO SUCH RIGHTS. And this is what you hold us too as a standard.
Do you similarly believe Nazism should have been so treated in the 30'a? After the fact you don't back that's your problem.
You see her as a 'firebrand' rather than Islam, itself as 'firebrand'.
Perhaps mumbai escaped your memory? Perhaps the carving out of an 8 month old embryo from it's mother, and the slaughtering of the rabbi and the wife by such slaughter doesn't rate your condemnation? Oh, I see, you want to remember that not all
muslims are slaughterers. True.
Neither were all the nazi's......
and yet.......
Here ad is spot on, to the point and you are dead wrong.
As in 6 million jews in ovens wrong. And never again should mean something in the face of the one group that out and out supports
those murderers- that's right, Islam supported Hitelr then, and does so now.
Wake up!

(30)
David S. Levine,
January 30, 2013 12:13 AM

WHY Is It "Bad Strategy"?

Rabbi Solomon, generally wise, does not explain why he thinks the Geller ads are bad strategy which he has an obligation to explain if he says the strategy is bad. Is he embarrassed by the stark and frank language about Islam which is a declaration of war on civilization? Is he embarrassed that a life system based on brutality which cloaks itself in religion is being exposed for all to see and that exposure is the burning embers of the Twin Towers? Pam Geller expresses herself in an idiom which embarrasses liberals because liberals, since at least 1968 have been on the side of movements around the world which wish to harm civilization generally and America (and Israel) specifically. This is symbolized by Hagel's nomination as Secretary of Defense by a left-liberal president who safely reelected is feeling his oats and with Democ-rats of Jewish origin such as Schumer to verify his kashrut thinks nothing of doing what Jimmy Cagney did to Mae Clark, shoving grapefruits in our face, It is the liberal who must and should be made to squirm along with its ally, the Islamo-fascist.

(29)
Andrew,
January 29, 2013 11:05 PM

Appeasement only makes one look weak. I love this lady, at least she has the courage to spell it out the way it really is.

(28)
Anonymous,
January 29, 2013 11:01 PM

you can't add to 100%

Taran, you can cower in a corner, but I agree with Jacobh that you fight fire with fire, not with political correctness. How did we fight Hitler? Like Neville Chamberlin with soothing reassurances ,or like the Allied military? Cower in your cote.

(27)
Rabbi A.J. Wachs,
January 29, 2013 8:25 PM

CLASSLESS ACTION!

NOT THE SMARTEST WAY to handle the problem.

Tammy,
January 30, 2013 3:21 PM

They are going to ATTACK us

What's your "classy solution" to a religion that demand to convert or behead others that won't convert ? And that says to kill all Christians and Jews. And that states the ONLY sure way to paradise is to be a suicide bomber ?

(26)
Mickey Oberman,
January 29, 2013 8:14 PM

Right or wrong?

Rabbi,
You are wrong.
I had hoped that the shtetl mentality had perished long ago.
I was mistaken.

(25)
doesn't matter,
January 29, 2013 7:57 PM

It is maybe not my place to comment, as I am not Jewish and do not know of your practices. And for one as me, who regards Jewish people in high esteem because she thinks they are smart and have a great sense of humour, yet is ignorant of their practices, I don't think this is the best messge you can transmit about Jewish values.
By all means, denounce injustices, but do not stop at their level. "Fight fire with fire"? Fire cannot extinguish fire. Fire can only add to fire. Is this what you want?

(24)
Leonid,
January 29, 2013 7:44 PM

Anti-Jihad, not anti-Muslim

The only ad that could be called anti-Muslim I've seen said “In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel. Defeat Jihad.”
I could not agree with the message of this ad more. Jihadists, not all Muslims, are savages of our time, and should be exposed as such. And by the way, many supporters of anti-Jewish Jihad (in Europe, for example) are not Muslims.

(23)
J.D.,
January 29, 2013 7:08 PM

Poor strategy indeed

I am by no means a lover or defender of Islam, but these ads have me shaking my head. If Geller wants to buy advertising space to attack Islam she'd be better off posting a list of this month's human rights violations in the Arab world, publicizing official government links to terror organizations, or citing verses from the Koran and Hadith, or ANYTHING more substantial than name calling ("savages") or pictures of the WTC (as if Muslims have no pictures of their own buildings bombed by Israel or the US). While I share her viewpoint, the way she presents it is counterproductive and embarassing.

msgoldberg,
January 30, 2013 1:17 PM

building's bombed by Israel?

rubbish..... her comments are specific and directed at the savagery of Jihadism. Jihadism IS savagery- and worldwide it expresses that SAVAGERY. And there are lists of the day to day jihad attacks by a web site that details all the attacks since 9/11 along with substantive texts and commentary on what is in Islam that has evidenced this slaughtering for 1450 yrs.
But you go and be ... nice. Ambassador Chris Stevens was, in Libya. He who brought the arab spring there. He was raped and
sodomized and then killed, and sodomized again afterwards.
Israel, jews others, don't do this. Jihad does it by Fiat, by theologic imperative and the example of Mohammed.
your rationalizations are an embarrassment.

J.D.,
January 30, 2013 7:09 PM

That's how you do it

Your reply to my post, containing good arguments and important facts, should be advertised on subways instead of Geller's sensationalist approach. At least it would make people think instead of just react.

(22)
DAVID FRANKEL,
January 29, 2013 6:22 PM

I BELEVE THE MESSAGE IS RIGHT ON ITS MORAL ISLAM LIES MUST BE EXPOSED

(21)
Jacobh,
January 29, 2013 6:13 PM

You fight fire with fire.

Barbara F.,
January 29, 2013 8:50 PM

Never mind inflammatory

Time to put fear away - stand strong and tall. Let them fear.

(20)
MG,
January 29, 2013 6:10 PM

Pamela Geller is a heroine

She has defended women trapped in honor killings and brutality and those who want to leave Islam. She wants people to realize that Islam has elements in its religion that are hostile and say things like "Jews are descendants of apes and pigs", for example. Not all religions are alike. But her battle is with jihad and those who want to kill us. She started putting up these ads after others saying divest from Israel appeared. We must defend ourselves and hold others to a standard that we advocate for ourselves. It is not ok to say antisemitic remarks. It is not ok to make up falsehoods about the Jewish people. Her ads now take into account places in Africa, and the middle east as well.

Punkrock Pamela,
January 30, 2013 1:49 AM

Bravo MG!

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to watch the video (Firefox no longer supports Flashplayer, and I'm working on installing a different browser). But, I agree with everything you said. It was right on!

Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 3:25 PM

Totally agree

WAKE UP my Jewish friends. The Hand Writing is on our Walls here in U.S. Muslims ARE going to attack us.

(19)
Monika Kimball,
January 29, 2013 5:46 PM

The messages in the subways demean everything we stand for as Jews and confirm that extremism on both ends is counterproductive to say the least.

See above.

msgoldberg,
January 30, 2013 3:39 AM

demeaning who?

So the ads that quote mohammed, and not some cherry picked oddity, but the sources and majority of the statements against kaffirs, for 1400 yrs, is 'extremism' and exposing it is 'extremism'
and 'demean everything 'we' stand for?
All the slaughtering of kaffirs, tormenting 'others', you.... us jews...
and the threats to annihilate us, you think that it's 'demeans' us to point all this out. Like it demeaned us to point out the savagery of the nazi's.... after.... they slaughtered 6 million of us.
What dark.....

(18)
Geri Taran,
January 29, 2013 5:40 PM

Anti-Muslim Ads is Nubways (and elsewhere)

I agree with Rabbi Salomon, and not only is it poor strategy and inflammatory, it is simply adding more hate to the already flaming and uncontrollable fervor of those members of the Muslim religion who are fundamentalist Jew haters. I feel that painting all Muslims as terrorists or hatemongers is a sad and dangerous mistake. It is no different from Anti-Semitism, or hatred of ANY group, race, ethnicity or religion, in my opinion.

msgoldberg,
January 30, 2013 1:05 AM

gosh you mean that those who theologically despise jews, and who want us all submitted and or killed if we don't submit, might be further inflamed is we point out what they actually are....?
Wow, are you ludicrous!. I know, we should beg for ... understanding., you know, like with the nazi's.
....numb... as... a .......... booot

Jim Salomon,
January 30, 2013 3:23 AM

Hate messages are wrong no matter what group you single out!

Portraying all members of a faith community, nation, ethnic or racial group in a defamatory way demeans the community as a whole. Moreover this kind of message makes diplomacy extremely difficult. Perhaps the people who posted these signs need to go back to school and read The Ugly American! New York is an international city. Do we really want visitors from Islamic countries to carry back the message that the U.S. is filled with bigotry!

Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 1:25 PM

rabbi... you are wrong

But.... the message was that all Jihadists are savage, not all muslims. Therefore your denial of the political and racial hatred of Jihad is a denial of reality- a reality that Mohammed used after failing utterly as a preacher for 13 yrs. As for 'offending' a faith.
It is not in any way indiscrete to portray all Jihadists as savages.
And it makes diplomacy realistic, not impossible. Where is diplomacy needed in the hsitory of jews vs nazis? Answer: it ws and is irrelevant. So... diplomacy is the excuse to not see the nazi's for what they say. And no.... not all nazi's were slaughterers, but merely germans who were naive, and didn't understand what they were told to do. Until it ws too late to do anything but shut their mouths.
Your logic is defective rabbi- the ad is not offensive to ordinary muslims who might find Jihad disgusting and vile. But they have no voice in Islam, and never did nor will.
And no one is calling for their extermination nor submission.

Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 3:27 PM

How about a group that is raised from childhood to kill Jews ?

msgoldberg,
February 1, 2013 12:58 AM

re: hate messages are wrong

you are incorrect. that idol worshippers were to be utterly rejected. No, he didn't say kill them all. but, they were denied sanctity.And no... they weren't all evily disposed, but the entire group was so designated. The modern notion of the west that correctness means never having to say your sorry, is lunacy and supports evil by never naming it, or even discussing evil. And so, here we are. You don't want visitors to get the idea that the US is filled with bigotry, when their countries by law disallow any other expression except Islamic and they themselves are taught to believe that all others are beneath them. Indeed, you worry that they might somehow feel that they are not so benighted and that Islam is not above criticism. And that's the point: that Islam is not above criticism here, but you and they are desperate to end any and all such discussion. Meanwhile any other faith can be derided, derogated, and all with impunity, by Islam. What shallow hypocrisy.

JAY,
February 20, 2013 6:27 PM

SO TO SUM IT UP WE SHOULD NOT ANTAGONIZE THOSE WHO WANT TO KILL, MUTILATE SLAUGHER US BECAUSE THEY will kill, mutilae ,slaughter us

(17)
Len Israelstam,
January 29, 2013 5:33 PM

The real message lies in the Holy Koran

Dear Rabbi,
The core of the problem which the world and particularly, the Jewish world faces regarding Islam, is simply expressed in the Koran by verses such as:
Qur'an:9:5 "Fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, harass them, lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war."
And in the Hadith such as:
Hadith Sahih Muslim (41:6985):
“Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: ‘The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or a tree would say: Muslim, the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and kill him; but the tree Gharqad would not say, for it is the tree of the Jews.’”
The Koran and Hadith represent the conscience and the belief system of the Muslim world. It explains a great deal including why peace talks will never be more than a charade and a past time for some politicians or part of a means to an end in fulfilling the Muslim Brotherhood's plan for world domination.
THIS SHOULD BE KNOWN! Pamela Geller should be loudly applauded for being so bravely prepared to get this message out as widely as possible in the best way that her resources permit.
In our ostrich-like western world which seeks comfort in denial and regards the threat of Islam as some fictional abberation, I understand that supporting Pamela Geller is certainly not the politically correct mode of behaviour to win friends etc...
I can understand that one in your position can hardly take a stand against any other faith including the Muslim faith; but there are times when silence is golden rather than to inhibit others who have the courage to reveal the truth.
Why not meet with Pamela - hear her out.

(16)
SpikeyApples,
January 29, 2013 5:30 PM

rabbi's right

not only i share his views but i will go further. first of, WHAT KIND OF JIHAD do we want to defeat? When Mujahideen rose in defense of Afghanistan, that was Jihad--now, to me any decent person, and especially a Jew, would and should SUPPORT that sort of Jihad. secondly, the message is most definitely wrong because Islam contains many sides and expressions, and you can do the same twisting and spinning to Judaism by plucking out a line from here and there in Old Testament, commanding us to kill all previous inhabitants of Canaan, for violating Sabbath and what not. if we want others to be fair to us, lets be fair to others. and thirdly, the same inflammatory stuff being poured on Muslims by these pseudo 'conservative' types, among whom sadly today there even are a few Jews, was leveled at us Jews just half a century ago. it was us that were accused of being malevolent, subversive, disloyal, murderous, cunning and so on. and it's the most un-Jewish thing to do, to subject others to such treatment, just because we have been done wrong before, or even because our nation does as of now, have a conflict with some Muslim nations(actually, not so much Muslim as Arab, cause solid chunk of Palestinians, Syrians, Lebanese and other Arab peoples are Christian, Druze and so on.
finally, public places such as subway should not be used for hate speech and insults. this is NOT about freedom of speech, nobody keeps Ms Geller or anyone else of that kind, from running their mags, sites, talk-shows and so on

(15)
Adam,
January 29, 2013 5:22 PM

Canary in a coal mine

It goes beyond strategy. My worry whenever I see anti-[insert religion here] slogans is that these same slogans have been used against Jews so often in the past that we can't tolerate them being used against others. After all, what if political moods change and suddenly Israel is unpopular in the US- after all, the Arab states have oil. Would people currently supporting anti-Muslim signs agree w/anti-Israel- or anti-Jew- signs?
Food for thought,
-Z

(14)
Irene Freudenheim,
January 29, 2013 5:15 PM

I agree 100% with Rabbi Yaakov Salomon. It is decidedly unwise to use any public space, be it the subway or walls to put up ads against Muslims. I also think it is unfair and dangerous for Jews and Israel. I.F. from São Paulo, Brazil

(13)
Suzanne,
January 29, 2013 5:04 PM

I support Pamela Geller

These ads were partly put up because Muslims were first using American subways to advertise Islam to non Muslims in order to convert them. That's not illegal, so what Pam Geller is doing is not illegal either. I will give the rabbi this much, perhaps it is not such a good idea to have the word "Israel" in any way involved with these subway ads as the country of Israel has never tried to interfere with Muslim belief. Islam, however, IS a threat to ALL non Muslim nations. They themselves say so. Their leaders in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (an organization that every American should know about) have a grand plan for world conquest through both stealth and violent jihad. Free people should know that Islam is not a "religion" like any other as it is the only religion I know of that is wrapped up in fascism. Personally, I feel Islam should be exposed constantly for what is is. Students in free nations should taught about its destruction in schools as it is the truth. Clergy in free countries also have an obligation to speak out against it. Books and movies should be made exposing its violence and the leaders of all free nations should be honest for once and speak out against it, too. Throughout its 1400 year history, Islam has caused enormous suffering upon mankind and this, too, must be examined truthfully. In the end, it's the kindest thing to do, too, as Islam imprisons all who subscribe to it. I look forward to the day when Muslim peoples have converted out of Islam and into a truly holy philosophy about G_d.

(12)
Haim,
January 29, 2013 4:54 PM

We were once there...

As Jews we have been targets of hate. We have to remember that we have been the despised other.
It is not a question of strategy but of right and wrong.
This woman Geller should be put on Haram for preaching hate.

Anonymous,
January 30, 2013 1:29 PM

who should be put on haram??

you mean all those muslim slaughterers who call for the death of jews and all others whould be talked too, understood but such as Ms Geller, who stated a mere fact, should be placed in shunning??
What silly and hateful foolishness

(11)
Stanley Tee,
January 29, 2013 4:54 PM

Respect

Rabbi, as Jews, we tend to respect other religions and I suspect that this is what makes you feel uncomfortable. But these people are taught in their holy book - a book that they believe is absolutely infallible - that we are the "sons of pigs and apes" and that it is their holy mission in life to kill us wherever they find us. They are even told that the rocks and trees will help them find us so that they can carry out their murderous religious mission. Do we really owe them any respect at all?

(10)
Dr. Miguel Stroe,
January 29, 2013 4:51 PM

what's wrong with a strong message?

The same galut mentality affects many Jews. We don't want to be strong, we might offend,etc. etc. It is time to change that attitude. The world respects us when we don't act pitifully submissive. It also goes along with self-respect. It is a Hilul ha Shem to let the Islamists,especially with one in the White House, have the upper hand.

Simcha,
January 31, 2013 2:31 AM

Amen, brother!

Jews do much better when we are strong and resolute and not nebishes.

(9)
Anonymous,
January 29, 2013 4:50 PM

.

The rabbi is an appologist and very naive. He should study the history of the Jewish people who tried not to "inflame".

(8)
Stanley Tee,
January 29, 2013 4:46 PM

Time to stand up

As long as we have Presidents who insist that Islam is the "religion of peace", there will be people who are fooled. Perhaps telling a bit of truth isn't such a bad thing?

(7)
Anonymous,
January 29, 2013 4:30 PM

It's not "ANTI- MUSLIM" .. it''s "ANTI-JIHAD"!

"Anti-muslim marketing?" What kind of misleading headline is this, Rabbi? Ms. Geller is a brave warrier, a modern day Paul Revere, warning of the insideous jihadi encroachment of the west. Please retract this awful headline. It is incorrect. She is not anti- muslim. She is anti-radical Islam, anti- terror, anti-Shariah. G-d Bless Pamela Geller. 24/7 Defender of Freedom

(6)
leah,
January 29, 2013 4:24 PM

disagree with the Rabbi

The Muslims fill the NY subway and everywhere else with lots of terrible rhetoric. People need to see the other side, messages penetrate visually, let the rest of the christian world SEE and HEAR the message. It will have a positive effect please G-d.

(5)
Laura,
January 29, 2013 4:03 PM

Yes it is a great idea. G-d bless Pamela Geller. Rabbis should concern themselves with rampant islamic genocidal Jew-hatred rather than attacking proud Jews who expose them.

(4)
Yaakov,
January 28, 2013 5:05 PM

Rabbi is correct

Maybe lets Ms. Geller vent a little, but it doesn't do us any good as a people.

Tammy,
January 29, 2013 5:25 PM

WAKE UP

Well when Muslims come for YOUR head maybe your eyes will finally be open.

Yaakov,
January 30, 2013 3:40 PM

I beg your pardon?

I didn't say that Ms. Geller was wrong - she's 100% right. What I'm saying is that how does posting advertisements in the NY Subway system help fight against the threat of radical Islam? It's easy to call people names (true though it may be), but if anything, they may serve to incite more Islamic violence. And by the way, Muslims are coming for my head every day - I live in Israel which is surrounded by 300 million Arabs who would love nothing more than to drive us into the sea. The only things that are protecting us are the Israeli (Jewish) army and Almighty G-d (not in that order). When you leave whatever country you are residing in and come live in and strengthen the eternal homeland of the Jewish people - and recognize this as the only solution for Jews to the growing Islamization of most of the world - then YOUR eyes will finally be open.

(3)
Tammy,
January 28, 2013 1:47 AM

Go Pamala

When these same Islamic terrorist rise up (and it will be soon) Rabbi, the Jewish people will be their first target. God has foretold He was going to fill our streets with enemies as numerous as locust.

(2)
Rosen,
January 27, 2013 1:34 PM

2 blanketed extreme statements

There are typically 2 blanketed extreme statements with those on the far-right who say, "I learned everything about Islam on 9/11" and those, usually in the Middle East who say "death to America and Israel." Thus, more moderation and sensitivity is needed in order to avoid having to listen to such people make blanketed statements of whom they hate...As for NYC residents, posting such anti-Muslim ads/propaganda can really be insensitive and opening up old wounds and more anger over the horrors of 9/11.

josh,
January 29, 2013 5:37 PM

'.i learned every thing about islam 9/11'is not true/ i learned it alreay in WTC bombing of '93 madrid bombings beheading all over the globe etc etc etc. By the way i thought Rabbi Salamon would mention alternate bright idea..so still missing something

Suzanne,
January 29, 2013 5:45 PM

I respectfully disagree

Exposing the extremism in Islam is essential as it's violent traditions are sanctioned today by mainstream Islamic clerics the world around. This can not be disputed. All one has to do is go on the website Memri. As far as being overly simplistic about Islam and its violence, one must understand something which most people in the west don't yet know or understand. According to Islamic belief, Mohammed had two sets of revelations. The nice benign ones are his earlier ones (I think they are called the Mecca revelations) and the others (which I think are known as the Medina revelations) are much more violent and harsh. Problem is - it's the later ones, the violent ones that Muslims are obliged to obey. So, if a Muslim says "well it says in our holy books, that Islam is a religion of peace etc". -yes, it DOES say that, however, what they are not telling you - is that the more important, final revelations (the ones that Muslims are required to obey) are the Medina revelations which are anything but peaceful. This fact has nothing to do with Americans being "far right". It is simply the truth no matter how painful it is for us to internatize. I know that Americans don't like thinking that evil can be in a religion as we have always been taught to be respectful of religion and the fact that there are over a billion people subscribing to Islam IS extremely frightening. However, "the death to America and Israel" that Muslims are chanting is sanctioned in mainstream Islam. Understanding this has nothing to do with "hate" and everything to do with being truthful. I don't hate Muslims, I feel sorry for the fact that they have been brainwashed and, in many cases, historically forced into this so called religion. In conclusion, I will always hold the victims of 9/11 in my heart. Our anger is justified if we use it to expose the truth and work for good.

(1)
John Smith,
January 27, 2013 10:22 AM

The lie that Islam and it's followers are peaceful must be exposed.

Natana Pesya Kulakofski,
January 29, 2013 5:47 PM

Amen to that!

BH
Pamela Geller is right on target! Radical Moslems are taking over the world even as I type this. Ads like hers belong everywhere because the world, especially the U.S., is too forgiving and is literally blind to what is going on. We need to wake up!